There’s something special about spending a summer afternoon in the garage, surrounded by the scent of sawdust, the hum of a sander, and the anticipation of turning raw pine into a beautiful hand-painted American flag. Lately, I’ve been all about the shine—using Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch 2X Ultra Cover Spray Paint in High Gloss to give each flag a bold, vibrant finish that really pops.
Step 1: Prepping the Boards
Every flag starts with carefully selected pine boards. I usually work with 1x4s or 1x6s depending on the size of the flag I’m making. After cutting everything to length, I give each board a solid sanding. Smooth surfaces are key—especially when working with high gloss paint, which can magnify imperfections if the prep isn’t right.
I lay out the boards side by side, do a quick dry fit to make sure everything lines up, and then it’s time for the fun part.
Step 2: Base Coats with Rust-Oleum
I start with a base coat of Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch 2X Ultra Cover in Gloss White. The coverage on this paint is seriously impressive—it sticks smooth, dries quick, and gives that high-gloss sheen that looks almost ceramic once it cures.
Each board gets two light coats, about 10 minutes apart, with a 360° rotation to avoid missing any edges. I keep my spray strokes steady and about 10–12 inches from the surface for an even application. Once the white is dry, I tape off my stripes and prepare to lay down the red.
Step 3: Crisp Stripes and Bold Color
For the red stripes, I use Rust-Oleum 2X Ultra Cover Gloss Apple Red. The color is deep, rich, and eye-catching—especially in natural light. I take my time taping the lines so they’re sharp and clean. A light tack cloth before spraying helps avoid any dust settling into the paint.
Once the red goes on, I’m always impressed by how quickly it levels out and shines. It gives the flag a polished, almost showroom look, even before the clear coat goes on.
Step 4: Blue Field and Stencil Work
The union (blue field) is next. I use Rust-Oleum 2X Ultra Cover Gloss Navy Blue, which contrasts beautifully against the bright red and white. After masking off the area, I apply two light coats and let them dry fully before stenciling the stars.
For the stars, I either use a vinyl stencil cut on my CNC machine or hand-place them with painter’s tape and a star punch. I usually go back over the stars with a final light spray of white, again using the gloss variety to match the rest of the surface.
Step 5: Assembling the Flag
Once all painted pieces are dry, I give them a day or two to fully cure—especially in humid weather. Then I flip the boards and join them together with a pair of backer braces and some wood glue for added strength.
Step 6: Final Clear Coat (Optional)
Even though the Rust-Oleum 2X Ultra Cover High Gloss already has a built-in protective layer, I sometimes add an additional coat of Rust-Oleum Clear Gloss Enamel just to give it that glassy final touch. Especially if the flag is going outdoors, it adds that extra layer of durability.
Why I Use Rust-Oleum 2X High Gloss
I’ve tried lots of paints, but Rust-Oleum 2X Ultra Cover is my go-to for a reason. The spray pattern is consistent, the dry time is quick, and the finish is just unbeatable. Plus, you don’t need a million coats to get solid color—the “2X” in the name isn’t just marketing.
Final Thoughts
There’s something satisfying about seeing the reflection of your shop lights bouncing off a freshly finished flag. These glossy flags not only make for great decor—they also make awesome gifts, especially around patriotic holidays.
If you’re thinking of trying it yourself, grab a few cans of Rust-Oleum High Gloss 2X Ultra Cover, set up a clean spraying station, and let the paint do its magic. Your garage might smell like a spray booth for a bit, but the end result is worth every second.